pro-inflammatory

adjective

pro-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry (ˌ)prō-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

variants or proinflammatory

: promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation

pro-inflammatory cytokines

proinflammatory effects

The findings showed a pro-inflammatory diet with sugar, high saturated fat and processed food was associated with a higher risk of depression.

—Martin Bagot

Examples of pro-inflammatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unable to get rid of dysfunctional cells, the immune system itself gets weaker and can revert into a pro-inflammatory state that damages the few remaining healthy cells in your system. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 10 Dec. 2024

Studies in animals and humans have shown that diabetes is associated with persistent low-grade systemic inflammation due to a class of small proteins called pro-inflammatory cytokines. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

These compounds protect against cellular damage and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory compounds, which may help lower disease risk.45 Several studies have found that people with higher intakes of flavonoids, including quercetin, have lower rates of heart disease. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Nov. 2024

According to a new study, 57% of adults in the U.S. eat a pro-inflammatory diet. —Sarah Garone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Polyphenols may prevent inflammation by changing specific pro-inflammatory processes.10 Hormone balance: Specific components in pineapple may help balance hormones. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Besides lowering blood sugar, metformin reduces viral load and pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to clotting. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Antioxidant-rich foods play a major part in calming inflammation, neutralizing free radicals and suppressing the body’s pro-inflammatory processes for a more harmonic immune response. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 June 2024

Essential to healing and tissue restoration post-injury is the body’s ability to transition from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state. —New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pro-inflammatory

adjective

pro-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry (ˈ)prō-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

variants or proinflammatory

: promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation

pro-inflammatory cytokines

… viruses also trigger pro-inflammatory responses, which remain poorly defined.

—Daniel A. Muruve et al., Nature

When the lesions are traumatized, or rubbed firmly, the cutaneous mast cells may release proinflammatory mediators, causing edema, erythema, and even vesicle formation.

—Melissa M. Burnett et al., The New England Journal of Medicine